Sozo Coffee Roasting and Espresso Bar owners Rodney and Mindy Hensley are offering a way for coffee lovers to help give back to students of Ionia Public Schools.

They created Blue Dawg Brew, which is a blend of a dark and light roast that has nutty and fruity notes. With every bag sold, the Hensleys are giving 10 percent of profits to the Ionia Band Boosters, which supports the band department at Ionia Middle School and Ionia High School.

"You get this really nice, balanced cup of coffee," said Blue Dawg Brew creator Rodney Hensley, adding he used a trial-and-error process with varying percentages of different coffee beans and roasting methods to get the right flavor.

Because members of the band boosters are regular Sozo Coffee customers, the idea seemed perfect.

"We thought we'd create a blend that they can sell as a fundraiser and we can keep bags here to keep them on the shelves," said Mindy Hensley.

The couple said it is important for them to not only help the band boosters, but assist the school district as well because, as musicians also, they both feel the music and other art departments are an important part of the middle and high school.

"It makes perfect sense to try to help the band boosters out," said Rodney Hensley.

He added parents of students who are in the band programs have already expressed their thanks and positive feedback about the business recognizing their child's program.

Band boosters member Mindy Talbot said she is thrilled by the new way to provide funding to the local school district.

"One of the things I love about Sozo is their desire to support this community. I like to shop local and I am happy to see a place give back locally as well," said Talbot.

Blue Dawg Brew is available from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Sozo Coffee Roasting and Espresso Bar, located at 576 N. State St. For more information, call 616-527-0100 or visit www.sozocoffee.com.